Metula: The Israeli army claimed on Saturday to have intercepted three rockets launched from Lebanon toward the Metula area in northern Israel. In a statement, the army reported that alerts were triggered at 7:32-7:34 am (0532-0534 GMT) in Metula, detecting three launches crossing Lebanese territory.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli media sources, including Maariv, have reported that the intercepted rockets were part of a larger barrage, with six rockets launched in total from Lebanon. Three rockets reportedly landed within Lebanese territory. Maariv highlighted that the sudden attack by Hezbollah, which involved launching six rockets at Metula within just two minutes, could significantly impact the course of events in northern Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, as reported by the daily Israel Hayom, issued a warning that Tel Aviv would not tolerate attacks from Lebanon on its northern towns. Katz emphasized ensuring the security of Galilee settlements and suggested potential military action. He stated, "If Metula is targeted, Beirut will be as well," assigning responsibility to the Lebanese government for any aggression originating from its territory. Katz also confirmed that he had instructed the Israeli military to "respond accordingly," without providing further details.
Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 12 reported that the Israeli army conducted artillery strikes on the launch sites in Lebanon. The mayor of Metula, David Azulai, expressed criticism toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government during an interview with Israeli Army Radio. He described the rocket attack as a "reminder" that security issues remain unresolved for displaced residents. Azulai noted that only 10% of Metula's population has returned following evacuations caused by the recent conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah.
The daily Haaretz reported that this incident marks the first such attack in three months. The attack occurs amid heightened tensions following Israel's surprise aerial campaign on Gaza on Tuesday, which disrupted a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with the Palestinian group established in January.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since November, ending months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict in September. Lebanese authorities reported nearly 1,100 Israeli violations of the ceasefire, resulting in at least 85 deaths and over 280 injuries. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 after non-compliance. Israel continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.